Man Walks Pet Octopus on a Skateboard in Viral TikTok

Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to viral video reports and expert commentary from marine biology sources.

A TikTok video of a man strolling through his neighborhood with a pet octopus riding in a tank on a skateboard has captured the internet's attention, raising questions about the welfare of keeping such intelligent marine creatures as pets.

The clip, which has gone viral, shows the man walking alongside his cat while towing a clear tank on a skateboard. The octopus inside appears to have a wireless aerator to keep the water oxygenated. At one point, the cat glances at the octopus, seemingly unfazed, before continuing its walk.

While the video has amused many viewers—one commented, "I aspire to this level of absurdity"—it has also sparked a serious conversation about the ethics of keeping octopuses in captivity. Animal welfare organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have argued that octopuses are highly intelligent and should not be kept in aquariums.

In a 2022 interview with National Geographic, former marine biologist James Wood explained that octopuses require significant enrichment and attention to thrive in a home environment. He noted that in research settings with bare tanks, some octopuses would crawl out of the water and dry out, or even eat their own arms.

The video raises a key question: Does taking a water-bound octopus for a walk count as enrichment, or is it a stressful experience? While octopuses can survive out of water for only a few minutes, the tank setup in the video appears to provide a more suitable environment.

This viral moment comes amid broader discussions about the ethics of keeping octopuses, with some groups advocating for bans on octopus farming. The debate highlights the need for responsible pet ownership and consideration of the complex needs of these creatures.